While I understand what the purpose of this product is, I think there might be a "funner way" to do it.
Before I show you what was in the box, you should let me explain. If Topps were to release Series 2 later and include whatever would be in Update in that set there would be room for an extra release, which perhaps could be a Traded & Rookies set like they used to do. I'm just thinking it would be fun to see that product brought back and then just leave the flagship set at 792 or whatever. See, I didn't even say bring back Turkey Red.
Here is what was in the box:
245 base cards, no doubles.
2 SP's: Walker and O'Neill
Inserts are all scanned so you can see how those panned out.
Some of the boys: (for the record, I didn't get a single Cano in the box so help me out)
I have one issue with this set, and actually it has been annoying me for years but I don't know if I have ever brought it up. Maybe it's because this year the cards are numbered starting with US that it bothers me more, but I think having that US or UH in front of the numbers makes it so hard to collate the set. Maybe I am just old, but to me it's another reason to get rid of this set and move towards the T-99 type....Diamond Anniversary
Neil Walker Blue Hope Diamond /60
Gold parallels /2011
Cognac parallels (which are not serial numbered and come just about 2 per
Topps Town
Topps 60
Diamond Duos
Kimball Champions
Yadier Molina GU Jersey card
Diamond Giveaway cards
2011 Topps Update Series Report Card:
Design: A
See Topps Series 1 and Topps Series 2 reviews.
Value: A
For this particular set, you get almost a complete set in a hobby box plus a TON of inserts and parallels to keep you entertained and interested while building your set. I would guess set builders would argue that one less cognac per pack would make it easier to complete the set, and I might agree for the most part.
The cognac cards probably should have been included in each series to avoid dumping a bunch of parallels into one set--- however, the reason they may have done that was to create more sales for a product that doesn't do well? That's the only reason I could think of for holding back essentially 3 series worth of parallels for the Update.
Quality: A
The quality of this set is on target for what we have all come to expect from Update, and it falls into line with Series 1 & 2. There were no damaged cards in the box, and no doubles so the quality control was not an issue in this product.
Overall: A
Would it be wrong to say B instead because this set is just not really that appealing from a consumer standpoint? I don't build sets so I see no real reason to not just buy the cards of my players from this set. There are a ton of cards per box which is great if you collect many players or teams, but otherwise you end up with a lot of clutter. The ton of inserts you get are great but it's another instance you can argue there are too many (vs. too little) but who knows.
I'm very wishy washy on this product not just this year but every year. I hardly ever see the need for it only because the included rookies are not what they used to be years ago. No one wants a Topps "base" rookie card anymore. People want higher end rookie cards or Bowman First Year or Bowman autos.
Do you guys see what I am saying about maybe bringing back the Traded set? Maybe making that 100 cards or so and a higher end card like along the Bowman Platinum lines?
